Orwell to Vlissingen. Any advice for a first timer?

[Carduelis]

We are planning a trip to Holland in early June and, for crewing reasons, I need to do the trip in one go. I'd like to go as nearly straight across as possible, windfarms and TSS permitting of course.

I suppose my main concerns are negotiating the Sunk 'roundabout' and the TSS off Vlissingen itself, but any advice on the best route would be much appreciated.

 

[sailorman]

You have double posted
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?394301-Orwell-to-Vlissingen-Any-advice-for-a-first-timer

 

[Stork_III]

Cork Sands Beacon, Roughs Towers,Trinity, Long Sands Head, Twin, Groot Bank, VG6, S4-S14, W2-W9, VH2. That's into the Westerschelde.

Crosses All TSS a Rt Angles.96 nm

 

[Carduelis]

Thanks, that's very helpful.

Apologies for the double post - not quite sure how that happened!

 

[sailorman]

The Old Hbr @ Vlissengen is expensive the VVW to the stbd of the first bridge (between sluis & bridge) is better & the food is acceptable as well

 

[Athene V30]

I sailed from Orford to Westerschelde last May with the plan to go to Vlissengen. Then I looked at the almanac and saw that the marina I wanted to go to (cant recall name but the one you dont lock in to) is closed at night for arrivals. I went to Breskens instead. Very friendly and as I arrived at 0300 and sailed after lunch they didnt want to take any money from me either.

 

[Stork_III]

Breskens Marina is an easy all tide entrance. Easy visitor pontoon on left on entry. HM will come to you in am if you arrive after 6pm. YC restaurant very good.

Telephone or CH31 for HM (up to 6pm) or intercom on Visitor pontoon.

 

[dennyjc]

The VVW to the stbd of the first bridge (between sluis & bridge) is better & the food is acceptable as well

+1

We arrived late (after they had closed)
but found ourselves a berth
nicely sheltered / no swell / and deep enough
It also meant we could leave on time for the first bridge opening.

Very friendly bunch

 

[Javelin]

I think I'd go for Breskens first rather than Vlissingen.
However if it gets a bit bouncy, as it did for us last year, we headed North and went into Roompot which was really easy.
The decision point is towards the end of their massive windfarm just the other side of the TSS.

 

[sailorman]

I think I'd go for Breskens first rather than Vlissingen.
However if it gets a bit bouncy, as it did for us last year, we headed North and went into Roompot which was really easy.
The decision point is towards the end of their massive windfarm just the other side of the TSS.

The approach from Southwold gives that option, coming from Harwich one has to make that choice very early as the normal passage from Harwich > the Scheldt is almost a Zeebrugge land fall to the Roompot its outside North of the Galloper

 

[Tomahawk]

The old harbour at Vlissengen has a cill in the entrance to the lock. So arriving at LW is not good. Breskens has all tide entrance.